Shreya Sen-Handley’s Handle with Care is a blithe and zippy travelogue that chronicles her adventures around the globe. In tow, most of the time, is the ‘quirky clan’ comprising her British husband, their two children, and their dog.
Here are tales of the world beyond south Kolkata and Sherwood Forest – places they call home. From much-loved Indian locales like Rajasthan and Kerala to bustling international capitals like New York and Paris, from English idylls like Dorset and Haworth to the sleepy pleasures of Corfu – the journeys are described in vivid detail, seasoned with humour, and sprinkled with wise trip-tips. No matter how gruelling the trek, you weather the storms well, and while you’re about it, have tons of fun, food and epiphanies. Mishaps or not, one learns, there is always magic to find.
These are delightful stories that’ll take you places without having to move an inch!
Longlisted with just seven other stellar books for Times of India’s AutHer Awards Best Nonfiction Book 2023, and a long-running Amazon India bestseller, it was also presented to The Queen, by Britain’s leading literacy charity, The National Literacy Trust, on its 30th anniversary celebrations, selected from the many reader favourites nominated across Britain.
Praise for the book:
‘Shreya’s desire for new experiences, and her attention to detail, remind me of Robert Louis Stevenson’s travel writings. Never a dull moment!’ – Ruskin Bond, award–winning author
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‘I feel a deep personal connection to this book. Gerald [Durrell] always told me that one of the reasons for his family’s move to Corfu was that his mother, Louisa, missed India terribly. She had been born, married and brought up children there, relocating to England only because of the sudden death of her husband. In the grey, damp and cold, she pined for the vibrant sights, sounds, scents and tastes of India, for the company of a warm and generous people, and the vivacity and colour her life had once had. Corfu, so like India in these many ways, rekindled her love of living.
‘In this book we’re immersed in India, Corfu and all other points of the compass, the author skilfully guiding our way and revealing the treasures that each and every place surely has. But above all, this is a book about love – romantic, parental, familial and whatever the word is for the family dog. About love of place, history, literature, poetry and art, all around the world. It celebrates adventure and fun. In short, it is totally wonderful, written lustrously, wittily and kindly, and I recommend it as a fabulous read for everyone, anytime, anywhere.’ – Lee Durrell, author, naturalist, and TV presenter
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‘Writer Shreya Sen-Handley takes readers on a most unique trip to different parts of the world, where literature meets reality and the serious and the absurd alternate to create an exciting and often hilarious experience… Shreya Sen-Handley is funny, at times poignant, at times wise and has a highly refined sense of the absurd. She paints pictures of places with her own unique colours and perception, but at the same time she never loses sight of the historical perspective. The book also talks of little-known nooks and corners of the world, with their fascinating stories and histories… With her easy and elegant style of writing and her infectious enthusiasm and energy……(this) delightful, fun-filled travel memoir…is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life.’ – The Hindu’s Frontline magazine
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‘A delicious documentation of her offbeat travels and culinary exploits around the world with her British husband, two children, and their dog…Her rambunctious adventures dished up with love and mischief span bustling international capitals…the trips from her hometown of Kolkata to touristy destinations in India will tickle the funny bone…but what really sets this travelogue apart are quirky tales from locales like the Greek island of Corfu…unfamiliar and outlandish destinations which most travel writing dictated by the travel industry knows little about. From Baskerville Hall to the village where the Brontës lived, Shreya Sen Handley’s travel stories, prompted by her love for literature, take your breath away.’ – Hindustan Times
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‘Sen-Handley is a gifted tour guide, often presenting her unique take on the sights and sounds. Her imagination and robust visual analogies add layers to familiar tourist spots…Full of sage wisdom on dealing with travel gone awry…Sen also chronicles the healing power of solo trips. Sen’s prose is picturesque…(and) the descriptions of food get the salivary glands going. The heart of this memoir (is) to inspire memories of a happier place, a happier time, surrounded by those we hold close’ – The Daily Guardian
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‘Handle with Care is a delightful escapade that whisks readers away on a whirlwind tour of the globe, courtesy of the vivacious Shreya Sen-Handley and her eclectic family. This travelogue is more than just a collection of destinations; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with humor, heart, and a keen eye for detail.
From the bustling chaos of Indian cities to the serene charm of the English countryside, Handley’s prose is a captivating blend of wit and wonder. She paints vivid pictures of exotic locales, infusing each description with a palpable sense of excitement. But it’s not just the places that shine; it’s the people, particularly the “quirky clan” accompanying her on these adventures.
Her resilience and optimism are contagious, making even the most challenging situations seem like minor detours on a grand journey. Her reflections on life, culture, and family are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the experiences. Ultimately, “Handle with Care” is a celebration of life, love, and the spirit of adventure. It’s a book that leaves you longing to pack your bags and explore the world, all while reminding you to savour the journey, no matter where it takes you.’ – popular Instagram book blogger Rutuja Ramteke
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‘Handle with Care is a humorous and quirky ode to the pleasures and frustrations of travelling with family. Chronicling the many adventures she takes across the world, along with her British husband, two children and dog, Sen-Handley takes us to the localities of Kolkata, the shimmering coasts of Corfu as well as the heart of high-powered international capitals like Paris and New York, offering brilliant trip tips as well as a fair share of food, fun and epiphanies. A book without a dull moment, as per one Ruskin Bond, Handle with Care is the type of travel literature that serves to satiate both the travel enthusiast as well as those looking for charming quirky prose.’ – well-known Delhi bookstore group, Kunzum Bookshops, in their 2024 list of ‘exemplary travel books’
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Available from:
Shreya Sen-Handley 